Spänn

Spänn is a Swedish term primarily associated with the verb spänna, meaning to tighten, fasten, or draw something taut. The form Spänn is most commonly encountered as the imperative used to instruct someone to secure or tighten something, for example Spänn remmen ordentligt. It can also appear as part of verb forms in various tenses and persons, though the present tense is spänner (jag spänner, du spänner, han spänner).

In addition to its verb meaning, spänna yields the related noun spänning, which denotes tension, strain, or voltage in Swedish. Spänning is the standard term; spänn is not a common standalone noun in modern Swedish, but in some technical shorthand or dialect contexts readers may encounter shortened references to spänning.

Etymology: Spänna derives from the Germanic language family, with cognates in Norwegian spenne and German spannen, reflecting a common root meaning to stretch or tighten.

Usage: The word occurs in everyday language involving securing loads, adjusting equipment, or preparing for exertion. It also appears in expressions describing muscular readiness, such as spänna musklerna before lifting, and in discussions of mechanical or electrical tension.

See also: Spänning, Spänna